Charlton Athletic boss hints at permanent deal for loan signing Gower

The 34-year-old has fallen out of order at Swansea City since the summer arrival of Michael Laudrup, with the Danish coach handing the midfield player just one appearance in the Premier League this season. This is in stark contrast to last term, when he featured 20 times under Brendan Rodgers.

Gower has now linked up with Championship side Charlton on loan for the remainder of the season, as they look to make an improbable push towards the playoff places. The Addicks are currently in 12th place in the standings, some 10 points behind Nottingham Forest in sixth.

Manager Chris Powell has welcomed the addition of the former Tottenham Hotspur youngster, who has also had spells at Motherwell (loan), Barnet and Southend United, and has indicated that a permanent deal could be in the offing come the end of the season.

“Mark is a midfielder I’ve had an eye on for a while,” Powell told the official club website. “It’s an area that I felt we needed someone just to come in and boost the numbers. He’s a talented player, a good user of the ball and I think he will just add quality to the squad.

“I’m looking at him just to help us over the line for the rest of the season and then who knows? Maybe depending on how it goes he may be someone I look at for the future.”

Gower could make his debut on Saturday afternoon, when FA Cup semi-finalists Millwall travel to The Valley for the South London derby clash.